Fernando Hazoury National Tourism Award, accessible tourism Asonahores and 15.9% GDP

Dominican tourism is not slowing down: the sector is consolidating its role as an economic engine with 15.9% of GDP, while the industry prepares to celebrate one of its leading figures, Fernando Hazoury, at the fifth National Tourism Award. It is a day to look in the rearview mirror and see how far we have come, and to adjust the mirror towards what remains: accessibility, an achievable challenge that Asonahores has just put on the table.

Following up on yesterday's story about JAC and Aerodom joining forces to improve the airport experience, the industry is in continuous improvement mode. Today we talk about awards, macro figures and an agreement that opens the door to a tourist who was not on everyone's radar until now.

Today's brief

Fernando Hazoury will be recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year at the fifth National Tourism Award, a distinction for those who move the industry with vision and results. Infotur Dominicano

• The award, presented at a ceremony that is already a must-attend event, recognizes Hazoury's career as a key figure in the country's hotel development.
• This is not a minor award: the PNDT has become the thermometer of who is setting the pace in the Dominican private sector.
• My take: this type of recognition not only celebrates a person, it also sends a signal to foreign investors that good work is rewarded here.

Hotels and destinations

Asonahores and Travegali sign an agreement to boost accessible tourism in the Dominican Republic, a market niche with real potential that the country had not talked about much. Infotur Dominicano

The agreement seeks to promote inclusive destinations, events and experiences, and to expand participation opportunities for travelers with disabilities. This is not philanthropy, it is strategy.

• Accessible tourism moves millions of travelers with real purchasing power each year in Europe and North America, our natural source markets.
• Hotels that adapt their facilities not only comply with regulations, they open up to a loyal segment with a high repeat rate.
• In a sun-and-beach destination like ours, where the resort is everything, accessibility starts with design and ends with customer service.

What I like about this agreement is that it comes from the hotel association, which gives it practical scope. Now it is up to the members to take it seriously and not leave it as a press release.

Tourism in the economy

Tourism now contributes 15.9% of the Dominican GDP and has tripled its fiscal contribution in the last decade, according to data presented by Asonahores. Infotur Dominicano

These figures confirm what we have been saying: tourism is not a complement to the Dominican economy, it is one of its pillars.

• 15.9% of GDP, including direct, indirect and induced effects.
• The fiscal contribution has tripled in ten years: more revenue for the state, more capacity to invest in infrastructure and services.
• These numbers are the best argument to defend the industry when some try to treat it as a luxury that can be cut.

Every peso invested in promotion and improving the visitor experience has a return here. Asonahores' data is the best calling card for the new government and for international investors looking closely at the Caribbean.